Komolong optimistic despite exit

PAPUA New Guinea defender Alwin Komolong says he is optimistic about the future despite their semifinal exit from the Fifa World Cup regional qualifiers in Qatar.
PNG came up short in a thrilling 2-3 loss to the Solomon Islands, who advanced to face New Zealand in this morning’s final.
But the centre-back, who scored the opening goal of their semifinal to give PNG a 24th minute lead, believes a blend of experience and youth is a positive sign for the Marcos Gusmao-coached side.
“I think the best is yet to come, to be honest,” Komolong said.
“We have a mix of old and young, so it is good to play these kinds of games.
“It just helps to set a platform for the future.”
The 27-year-old forms a defensive partnership for Papua New Guinea with younger brother, Felix, who is one of six players in the Kapuls squad for Qatar under the age of 26.
Whilst they came up short against the Solomon Islands, PNG pushed their opponents all the way in Doha. It was a similar tale against New Zealand, who only managed a 1-0 win with a quick free-kick routine in PNG’s opening game.
After that, Komolong’s team beat New Caledonia and Fiji in tough fixtures.
The imposing defender, whilst disappointed in failing to take their chances against Solomon Islands and getting another shot at New Zealand in the final, is clearly seeing the positives from the campaign.
“Back home, everyone is hyped about us,” Komolong said.
“I think we have put smiles on everyone’s faces back home.
“So we’ll just build from this, and continue to work hard and come back stronger.”
With an eye on playing football with increased regularity, as Coronavirus restrictions begin to relax, the elder Komolong brother is encouraged by the nation’s Qatar outing and hopeful about the future.
“We are looking forward to playing more international football, and learning and growing from here,” he said. – OFC